Abstract: A starting plate is provided for electro slag remelting apparatus in which only a small surface area of the ingot bottom in the area adjacent the ingot perimeter is welded to the starting plate. The starting plate is either an annular disc in which the innermost surface area engages the ingot outer periphery or is an annular disc which is not in engagement with the ingot but which includes a plurality of spaced recesses to accommodate metal tabs that extend into the mold cavity to engage the ingot bottom along portions of its outer periphery. The starter plate is normally made of a steel or inexpensive ferrous alloy.